Backsplash Tile Calculator
Backsplash measurements
For reference — outlets add cuts, so they are not deducted.
Tile to buy
27.6 sq ft
- Main backsplash area
- 21 sq ft
- Extra behind range
- 3 sq ft
- Net area
- 24 sq ft
- Tiles needed
- 221 tiles
- Waste applied
- 15%
Add trim or pencil liner separately — it is sold by the linear foot.
Tools the pros use for this job
Manual Tile Cutter
VEVOR Tile Cutter 48 in, Manual Cutting Machine, Heavy-Duty All-Steel Frame | For Precision Cutting of Porcelain, Ceramic, and Floor Tiles, with Laser Guide, Bonus Spare Cutter, and Manual Hand Tool
Check price on AmazonFast, dust-free straight cuts — ideal for subway and ceramic backsplash tile.
Mosaic Sheets
Hominter Colorful Ceramic Mosaic Tile Small Squares, 5 Sq Ft | 12”x12” Sheet, Glossy Glaze Polished Porcelain, Kitchen Backsplash, Bathroom Wall Décor, Shower Floor and DIY Crafts
Check price on AmazonMesh-backed sheets cover a backsplash in an afternoon.
Premixed Adhesive
Sponsored Ad - 3 Pack 12x24 Inch Heavy Duty Grout Mortar Bags with Tip-Blue | Heavy Duty PVC Tear Resistant Puncture Tip Cement Sealer Bag, Grout Bag for Tile Installation, Easy to clean
Check price on AmazonNon-sag mastic is far easier than mortar on a vertical dry-area wall.
Paid links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
How this calculator works
Measure the total length of countertop that has a wall behind it — including the short returns at the ends — then multiply by your backsplash height in feet (18 in = 1.5 ft).
Behind the range, most people run tile to the hood or all the way to the ceiling. That taller section is calculated separately above.
Do not subtract outlets or switches. Each one creates four cut edges, which is why a backsplash uses 15% waste rather than 10%.
Frequently asked questions
How high should a kitchen backsplash be?
18 inches is standard between counter and upper cabinets. Behind a range, run it to the hood or to the ceiling for a full feature wall.
How much does a backsplash cost to install?
Typically $25–$50 per square foot installed for ceramic or subway tile, and more for glass or intricate mosaic work. A typical 30 sq ft kitchen backsplash lands around $900–$1,500 installed.
Can I tile a backsplash over drywall?
Yes. Clean, prime, and remove any loose paint. Backer board is only needed in wet areas like showers, not behind a kitchen counter.
Related calculators
- Tile Quantity CalculatorHow many tiles you need for any room, wall, or floor — with waste.
- Tile Area CalculatorSquare footage for multiple rooms and shapes, minus openings.
- Grout CalculatorPounds of grout by tile size, joint width, and thickness.
- Tile Cost EstimatorTotal project cost: tile, grout, mortar, trim, and labor.
Guides worth reading next
- How to Tile a Kitchen Backsplash (Beginner-Friendly)The full backsplash workflow: find your starting line, deal with outlets and the under-cabinet gap, choose mastic vs thinset, and grout without scratching.
- Peel-and-Stick Tile: An Honest Look at Where It WorksRental kitchens, quick refreshes and RVs: where adhesive tile genuinely holds up, where it fails in a year, and how it compares to real thinset tile.
- How to Measure a Room for Tile (Step by Step)Measure any room for floor or wall tile: handle closets and alcoves, convert inches to decimals, subtract fixtures, and add the right waste percentage.